Experience SaintHoggMann

What Have You Learned?

2009-09-16T04:16:00.000-07:00

What have you learned?
Can you remember?
What would you like for me to do?
Everything you need from me is in your hands
And everything else is up to you

You’re like a butterfly on a windy day
You use directions in a roundabout way

What have you learned?
Now that you’ve been burned
By the guy who used to be
The center of your eye?
And you’re blown away
By your own hurricane
And you wonder why

Castaway and you’re looking
Through the wreckage for your pride
But you can’t salvage what you don’t supply

What have you learned?
Now that you’ve been burned
By the girl who used to be the center
Of your world?
Who used to be your center of gravity
And now you’re so unsure

You’re like a squirrel
Out in the middle of the road
You’re halfway there
But don’t know which way to go

What have you learned
Now that you’ve been burned
By the one who used to be
The One and Only if you could see
Your sinking dignity

You’re like the waves
Beating on the sandy shore
You swear you’ve been there once or twice before
What have you learned?

What have you learned? Can you remember?
Now that they don’t know what to do?
Now that they miss your heart of gold so badly
This is what I’d say if I were you-

It’s in a treasure chest
That’s buried in the sand
But the “x” does not mark the spot
And I do not need a hand
And if I burst out into flames
Without your guidance anymore
Just scatter me across the sea
And you can kiss my ashes from the shore

-Carbon Leaf, Nothing Rhymes With Woman

School Days!

2009-09-09T12:59:00.001-07:00

11......5.......2 The Grades they're entering this school year!

I gotta say...14 weeks is tooooo long for summer break! I think even they were excited to go back!

This year, they all live far enough from their respective schools to ride buses. This is a MUCH welcomed happening especially with me working out of town. Can be a hassle getting off work in inclement weather to grab a kid who's not on a bussing route. Now...no worries...

Or so we think...the first day the Middle School bus didn't come to our stop. So I ended up driving Becca and a couple boys from the stop to school! Thankfully the stope is across the street from our house AND Todd and I were home. First day kinks, I guess.

I'm sure this year will go fast. Which will be good since it's gonna be hard with me being gone a lot of the time. I hate to think all the stuff I'm gonna miss. But I know we'll all step up to the plate and come out on top!

Even though I KNOW they are leaving their home chores until the 11th hour on the day I come home :) Way to go, Gang!

Purple People Eater?

2009-09-09T12:55:00.000-07:00

Naaaaaaaaaaaa! Here's Boog's back to school 'do! I was glad she added the bangs back in. She has a LOT of hair (Like me) so it's good she cut some and we're able to see her a bit better now :)

I allow the kids pretty much free riegn over their hair styles. I figure hair experimentation is the least of my worries and rather harmless. So...black and purple it is!

Beccs' Bday!

2009-09-09T12:50:00.000-07:00

Miss Becca turned 11 on the 4th!! Again, hard to believe. I got home around dinner time that day from work in the Cities. We had a small celebration at home with her friend, Cheyenne. Her Dad is coming for a visit soon and we'll whoop it up then.

I always feel bad for the girls as their bdays are either side of the start of school week. Things in a $ sense always seem to go wrong around this time with school shopping, doctors' appt etc in prep for school. One day...hopefully next year...we'll be able to do them up right!

She started MIDDLE SCHOOL this week! WOW! She seems to be loving it! And is enjoying that fact that she gets to ride the bus to and from school this year!

A Dog's Life

2009-09-09T12:46:00.000-07:00

On my way home from my job interview I was traveling along 212 and 23 and followed this motorcycle a bit. I just laughed... this dog has a VERY GOOD life indeed!

I gotta job! I gotta job! No, really.. a REAL job!

2009-09-09T12:12:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago I got a note on Facebook from a former classmate about a FT job opportunity in North Minneapolis. I had already been working PT in the Cities over summer, and have been looking for FT work for 2+ years. So I applied, went for an interview.. AND .... was offered the job on the spot!!! And yes, I accepted on the spot!

I was SO excited when I walked out that day that it took all my energy to walk in a composed manner to my car. THANK YOU, Megan!!

My new Dr. and his staff are fantastic! It's a new practice, so many of us are new to the staff and we seem to all be a good fit with one another. Which is a hard thing to find in this field. Mostly, it's great to work for a nice doctor who's very cool and laid back. There is a learning curve here with new software and being completely paperless, but am sure it'll all fall into place over the next couple weeks. Every day gets a bit better.

The hard part is that I live in the Cities during the week and am home only on weekends. I got the job just 2 weeks before the start of school so it was too soon to move the kids. These next 9 months will be trying. Now that school has started, that will help the Smalls keep occupied. I feel bad...not being there...the things I am going to miss out on.. but will all be for the best in the long run. Parenting from 150 miles away is not easy and leaves Todd with the brunt of the mess unfortunately. I worry for them all, but know they'll work it out together! TEAM WORK! My thanks to them for their understanding!

I want to especially thank my kids, friends (Kim, Jer & Matt K) and fellow hygiene associates for your uncurbed enthusiasm at my news. It really means a lot.. A LOT! Thanks to those who should have been excited, but weren't. It's good to know where we lie in this grand, short-lived scheme.

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeet! She's SIXTEEN!

2009-09-09T12:07:00.000-07:00

Wow, can ya believe my baby is SIXTEEN? She's definitely changed, well, grown up, a lot in the last year. We're not looking forward to getting a driver's license in October. Well...I don't think she's too thrilled, but I sure am!

She's just started her Junior year of High School...WHOA! We've already started looking at colleges, discussing senior pics and thinking about grad parties..

I was about her age when her father and I started dating; maybe a smidge younger. It all seems a blur now. I can say I am proud of who she's growing into as a person. Which is a major accomplishment/wish/desire for any parent! Lucky me!

They're baaaaaaaaaaaaaack.....

2009-09-09T12:03:00.000-07:00

Our favorite summer bug, the Cicada, is back! The hatch has been lighter than last year's, probably due to the mild summer weather. Alex just LOVES these things. Here he is allowing one to crawl all over himself. I have to admit, they are pretty interesting; and even I like watching them emerge from their casings. But I am not about to let them crawl on me!

Up near Lake Mille Lacs

2009-08-17T18:38:00.000-07:00

A few photos from near the Lake Mille Lacs area. I love the photo I took of the tower before I climbed it. Neat perspective. Was a 175 stair climb to the top. Was worth the climb. Was so neat to be above the trees and see the area...the trees that span out to the lake ...Got some neat shots of the graffiti etched into the stairs and the walls of the look-out. My fav: "Don't give up! It's worth it...once you get there!"

Toys 4 Tots Ride

2009-08-17T18:32:00.000-07:00

Did our annual Toys 4 Tots ride in Mid-July. Always good to see the friends and spend the day on the bike. Only..this year was BRUTAL. It was overcast and the wind blew a solid 30mph most of the day. We were SO wind burnt...tired..ugh! If it weren't for such a good cause...I'd have given that up!

Girls' Night Out

2009-08-17T18:27:00.000-07:00

Of course.. GNO(Girls' Night Out) is always a welcome event! I think we started out doing this like once a month. Now...it's sometimes more than that and we also incorporate "Thirsty Thursday" on a regular basis. This group is awesome! And we do allow the hubbies along...and have a few single pals that are dubbed the 'token males'.

I'm not really sure how many are actually on the 'list' of people contacted...I'm sure it must be over 30. We have several regulars...the main 15 I would guess.. that show up to most events.

Just got done attending Belgian American Days the first weekend of August over in Ghent. We love Dueling Pianos ;)

It's good to have an outlet...a place to go...people to hang with.

Summer...ahhhh summer...

2009-08-17T18:20:00.000-07:00

Summer is nearly over. Odd. We still have 3 weeks until the lil' yellow buses begin making their pick-ups. But ...we are all ready! 14 weeks is TOO LONG of a break.

Been a good summer. The kids have had many fun activities. Michaela has just recently returned from her annual dino dig volunteer gig in ND. She and Ray had a great time! Then she got SEVERLY burnt at the beach in SC. SIGH! Apparently she was quite distracted by some clams and forgot to REAPPLY the sunscreen!

The Smalls just returned a couple days ago from Spokane. They had a great week with their dad and visiting friends. And a nice visit with our favs the Shawleys.

We've had friends over...lots of play dates...late nights..

Michaela had her wisdom teeth out last week. She's doing well thought still a bit swollen. But she did awesome! Next week she turns 16. ZOINKS! And we're looking at the calendar and seeing when we can fit her driver's exam in....hard to believe!

Went to the HS today and picked up her school schedule for the year and get the audition info for the fall play: Seussical the Musical.

Rebecca is getting excited to start band practice. She's chosen the flute.

Still need to tackle those daunting school supply lists. This year's boggler: Why does a 5th grader need 48 pencils?? Really??

Sherburne Nature Preserve

2009-08-17T18:09:00.000-07:00

While spending a lot of time in the Cities over the past few months doing some hygiene subbing, I've been partaking of the many parks etc around the Twin Cities areas.

These are a few shots from Sherburne Nature Preserve at the north end of the Cities near Elk River.

I never did this when I lived there. I dunno why. There are HEAPS and they are fantastic. I love getting out, hiking, taking in the peace and just...being..alone. Alone with my thoughts, feelings and well...me.

Just last week I was offered a permanent position with an office in Apple Valley. It's very PT, but at least it allows me to scrape teeth! And will keep me afloat while I keep searching for a permanent FT position.

Kitchen Experiments

2009-07-18T21:43:00.000-07:00

The cool weather the past few days makes me wanna bake. Mmmmmmmmmm! So we whipped up a batch of one of my childhood favs: Waffle Cookies. They are the sole reason I own a waffle iron.

Then in this month's issue of Family Fun Magazine, they had a recipe for PB cookies you shape into Guinnea Pigs in honor of the new movie G-Force. They are cute, but the dough needs a bit of tweaking.. Tasty nonetheless!

How does your garden grow?

2009-07-18T21:35:00.000-07:00

I took a few snap shots of some of my favorite garden lovlies this year. Unfortunately, for some of my plants, it's not been a hot summer here. Particularly so for the tropical trees which have yet to sprout a bud much less bloom. SIGH! I personally do not mind the lack of humidity, but this weekend's temps were in the 60s and that was excessively cool!

I was in Elk River on Thursday to see the Tim Mahoney Band perform at an outdoor venue. BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!! OMG! But so worth it! I hadn't seen the band (one of my MN favs) in over two yrs. Good times! They still rock!

GS go to Horse Camp!!

2009-07-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

Becca and the rest of her GS Troop spent 4 days at Camp Elk River, near the Twin Cities, enjoying Horse Camp. They had a blast! They quickly became attached to their horses. Rebecca's horse is named Sampson. It was very fun and very tiring! I went along as one of the transporters/chaperones. My only complaint was that I got SO SORE sleeping in the bunk beds. OMG! Yup, I'm O.L.D! I took over 300 pics of the girls; there were 15 total. But I thought this one was particularly cute!

They girls are already requesting doing another Horse Camp next summer. OI! They are old enough to attend alone without Leaders now and do resident camp. We'll see how it goes...

Next week Michaela leaves for her annual trip to Marmarth, ND, with Ray where they dig dinos. She'll be gone 2 weeks. The smalls will also spend a week in Spokane with Doug visiting with friends there. Then ..the mad rush of school will begin with visits to dentists, eye doctors and the family physician. School shopping... saying that actually puts a smile on my face. LOL

Down Under 2009

2009-07-17T20:41:00.000-07:00

The smalls have just returned from their trip Down Under with Doug. For those of you who aren't up up to speed: Doug is a Kiwi and the kids are "Duelies": citizens of both the US and NZ. So they go there as often as they can manage to visit the relatives and friends and to get to one of the coolest places on Earth.

They stopped first in Australia for a holiday with Aunt Mary-Jane. They had a blast! Then off to NZ for 2 more weeks. They visited the Australia Zoo (of Steve Irwin Fame - he died on Becca's 8th bday BTW), went to Rotorua (NZ's version of Yellowstone), and a lot of other great touristy places. They were spoiled by relatives and the whole lot.

Everyone had a great time! And as luck would have it, they get to go back for 2 weeks in December for Aunt Louise's 50th Bday Bash!! WOOO HOO... nothing better than Christmas in Summer :)

For me, that three weeks went FAST. SO FAST I gotta admit, I didn't get much chance to miss them. I didn't get anything done that I had hoped to get done; i.e. painting Becca's room. Oh well..

Washing the MT off

2009-07-03T17:30:00.001-07:00

Actually...not just MT, but the last 8 mos of MN, WY, MN and MT. It was time. It had to be washed and cleaned out a bit. The car was GROSS. Was in Eagan the other day, and even though it's raining today, it still had to be washed. It looks a lot better thanks to the folks at the rockin'-ist carwash: Paradise. Yeah, it's a bit pricey. But the vacuum it, wash the dash, wash the car (with all the coatings), hand dry it, polish rims and tires, wash windows...in ten minutes. Saving me 60+ minutes: priceless!

GHS: 20 Years Later

2009-07-03T17:01:00.000-07:00

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=276148&id=818600719&l=dbe1b0cbfb

If you wanna see photos from the reunion, copy and pasts the link to see my Facebook Album of the weekend.

So..20 years. TWENTY YEARS. Where did that go? I tell you, I remember my graduation like it was yesterday. Apparently, there are a few more days in there.

The night before leaving for the reunion, I was in Minneapolis attending the Blue October Concert. FREAKING AMAZING! Got back to Teri's at 2am..we left at 3am-ish. We drove 15.5 hrs to Montana, making it JUST IN TIME for the social hour that night at the K-Bar. We got to bed around..oh say 2am. LONG ASS DAY.

I cannot tell you how great it was to see everyone. Some were total surprise! I was saddened by how many of the local GHSers didn't come when so many of us had traveled across the country to be there. ?? I had a great time, lots of laughs, plenty of tears come Sunday morning.

Oddly, being one voted into the "Most Likely To Succeed" category in HS, I have severly failed that office. I think my most successful thing was getting out of Gardiner and having my kids. Though I love Montana, and my hometown, you all know that, but glad I got out and saw the world and lived it. My life definitely has not gone according to plan. My major pisser of late is that 5 years ago I decide to "grow up" , go back to school and now I sit with a large student loan, no job and a very dark brain cloud. Somehow, I think I am forever screwed. No matter what I do; it just doesn't happen. Maybe in the next 20 years I'll be more impressive.

It was good to see how many people had changed for the better! I may not be one, but I sure noticed the ones that have! Going to school in a very small town is a unique experience. One we all identify with. It's nice being 'close-knit', but sucks equally that EVERYONE knows your business ALL THE TIME. You can't really be yourself in that environment. You're too busy fitting in to keep the chit-chat and ridicule at bay. And if you don't play sports, well, you pretty much don't exist there. Because sports rule. Those things haven't changed. And really, our bond hasn't either. It's just aged to perfection.

Father's Day

2009-06-21T13:46:00.000-07:00

Doug, Rebecca and Alex heading to New Zealand - 06/20/2009

Happy Father's Day to all those dads out there. In particular to my own father. It's a special one for him since Carol and Gianna are visiting him for the first time in MT. A blessed event indeed. Enjoy guys!

Dad - Thanks..even if I didn't always show it, or you didn't think so... you are an awesome dad. I know it's not always easy. But it is always appreciated. I know I would not have gotten this far without you. And while it's embarrassing to me how I, even as an adult of nearly 40, have and still do lean on you at times, I know that you don't even think twice about it. I love you heaps!

Ray and Doug - If nothing else, I can say I am totally blessed with exes that are great dads. And having been around friends with less than friendly outcomes to their marriages, not only are our kids blessed, but so am I. Even though we are far apart, you have always been and continue to be a very important part of our lives. Thanks for all you do.

Todd - Thanks, from all of us. You took on a lot when we got together. Something that you didn't have to do, but have done a great job. I know it's frustrating, annoying, sometimes funny, often unbelievable..it's parenthood.

Running in Circles

2009-06-16T13:12:00.000-07:00

Summer is hardly a time of relaxation around here. The kids are out of school and have lots going on!

Rebecca has just returned from a trip to Disney World with her good friend, Robin, and her family! What a treat that was! Thanks to the Bock family!

Michaela is currently in NC for a few days visiting her father and his parents et al. And apparently putting more holes in her ears today :)

On Friday I will drive the smalls to the Cities to meet up with their father. They're all off to NZ and Oz for 3 weeks. Both kids are dreading the trip, but so excited to see all the Down Under friends and relatives.

While they are gone, Todd and I will drive to MT for a weekend to attend my 20 year HS Reunion. I am so excited to see everyone! With the invention of Facebook, a lot of us have already caught up heaps there. Should be a fun time!

As the smalls return from their trip in early July, Michaela will prepare for her annual volunteer spot at the Dino Dig in ND with her Father. And then off for a week at his place in NC.

In the midst of it all, I'm hoping to find at least a PT hygiene job in the Cities and live there with friends or Teri for half the week. Hopefully something comes up soon. In the mean time, I am still attending MN State completing my bachelor of hygiene online. There are times I want to give it up, honestly. But...I have only 7 or 8 classes left; a year. SIGH... sorta torn between "F-it" and "Do it".

Summer Slumber

2009-06-16T12:57:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Summer...

This includes, of course, sleeping in. Rebecca, though usually the first up, was caught in bed enjoying her slumber.

School's out!

2009-06-16T12:52:00.000-07:00

Recently had our annual last day of school ritual of burning of the HEAPS of papers that come home that day. Kids LOVE this! We go through, have a laugh, say "GOOD BYE!" to the year and make s'mores!

I am excited because I will have ALL THREE kids on busses for the next 2 years. SWEET! No transport issues!

Labor and $

2009-06-16T12:49:00.000-07:00

Michaela has her first official job! She's been working at Greenwood this spring as well. While getting Miss Arsty-Fartsy up and doing physical labor has been amusing...she certainly loves the $$$. Here she is with her first paycheck!

Happiness is green

2009-06-16T12:43:00.000-07:00

Been working this spring again at Greenwood Nursery. This year we are in a new MUCH LARGER location. We're sporting 12 acres; 5 of which are currently developed. It's amazing! We needed the extra space as our in-town location was VERY crammed. It's nice to be able to spread out and be able to carry more items. Running 5 acres took some getting use to!

Though hectic, I find it theraputic. There's nothing like getting dirty and cultivating green, flowering things.

On Target

2009-06-16T12:39:00.000-07:00

We had been in the Cities visiting friends and stopped in at Target. My kids LOVE these large red orbs outside the front doors.

Mid-life Crisis??

2009-06-16T12:35:00.000-07:00

Naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!! Teri, Michaela and I recently took a motorcycle course. We had a great time though the weather was WET! Teri bought her Harley 883 a couple weeks before class. Michaela and I are about to get a bike we can share for a while. Hunting...hunting....

So yes, this August Michaela will get both her car and motorcycle licenses! Man! I can't believe she's at that point!

I am alive..

2009-06-01T20:37:00.000-07:00

5.5 months.. REALLY?? Man... A lot has gone on in that time.

1. I quit my job in WY
2. We moved back to MN

I know.. I've only listed two things. But those things are MAJOR. I am still hunting for work in MN, which has been, and continues to be difficult. I moved across country again and back again in 4 months. I'm tired. I'm lost. I'm stifled.

I have not yet totally settled back in here. I haven't unpacked a lot of things yet. Have no desire to. It's all I can do to keep up with life right now.

I am feeling frantic today. I have so much going on inside and out. I need an outlet. Maybe it's time to pay attention to my blog again. Which brings out another issue....

I've been struggling for a long time with blog content. To me, my blog is my diary. Not just of the lives of my family and me, but of thoughts, issues, opinions. Not everyone appreciates that. So...I think my solution will be to keep this one as a strictly family photo album sort of thing. Another one will be created for me as a true outlet.

Yeah..."right!" you say... "she can't even maintain one blog!" And you may be right.

I'll start uploading some photos in the next day or two. They'll be sorta random. But at least a glimpse of what's been going on.

Pure. Random.

2009-01-16T18:26:00.000-08:00

No pics this go around. I am not even sure what's on the camera. Guess it doesn't matter. The desktop computer has been infected with a virus. So it's at the Tech Hospital getting all better. I rarely use the desktop anymore, because the basement is unfinished, and any body who knows me well, knows I don't do well when it's less than 68 degrees :) That's where the desktop is. Therefore, one of my little lovelies was on a gaming site and picked up a bug. This is forbidden. They have strict site rules etc. And then of course, nobody warned me the AV software had run out. SIGH!! So this time I will fix it, next time, they will all have to pool their resources together to get the computer well again.

Back to my picture issue. I load and store all my photos on the desktop. I don't put or store anything on this, Todd's laptop. It's his, not mine. Which again will make for a long week. I don't allow the kids on here either. Oh the whining that will be had. LOL Hopefully this will make them THINK. Yeah...right...

Michaela now has her Learner's Permit. WOO HOOOO! She still has no interest in using it. Not that I would let her now anyway, since it's not optimal learning conditions. I know one day she will overcome her phobia.

Work was stressful this week. Patients are cancelling, rescheduling or just plain not showing up to confirmed appts. This makes the office manager (doctor's wife) VERY agitated. And frankly, she scares people when she goes off (Think Exorcist). The two new assistants were COMPLETELY freaked out apparently. So basically the WHOLE office (10 employees) is on the phone. Which is just asking for trouble - "too many cooks in the kitchen". Fact of the matter is: the economy sucks, MANY ppl here are unemployed and they have more imporant things in their 'Heirarchy of Needs' to attend to than their teeth.

Todd is once again back in Minnesota working. It's been SO cold back that way. As much as I miss (yeah..weird huh?) Minnesota and Todd...I am SO FREAKING GLAD I'm not in -35 degree weather. In a funny contrast, our weather here has been in the 35 to 40degree range, sunny and fabulous! People are wearing shorts! I hear this "January Thaw" is normal. The snows will soon return. Sure has been nice! The full moon was STUNNING at night over the snow-blanketed mountains. The HEAVY frosts in the morning make everything ornate. Really need to get out and try to catch some photos.

I am taking this semester off from school. The one class I was to focus on this semester involved me student teaching. Which would have been ok except that I live 3-6 hours from the nearest dental institutions, in the snow burdened mountains as a single parent. Scheduling and traveling to these instituions would be one issue, not getting back at the end of the day with the kids here alone..quite another. And everything is on a time table. So if I couldn't get there, rescheduling would be a nightmare. All in all, not sure I am up to dealing with it or stressing over it. I will need to figure this out another semester when I have more space on my plate (who am I kidding?). I hate that we have to take these education administering classes. I have no intentions of teaching. I think for those who want to teach..fine...the rest of us should be able to take sales and marketing or something...anyway..Of course, this means I will not be graduating in 11 months. I'll be going an extra semester. Oh well. No rush...I've been waiting this long, what's another 3 months?

My new love is Facebook. It's fun. I get to keep up with all my friends from every corner of the planet; including my entire GHS population from the 80's. Fun, freaky and intriquing. I have my 20 year HS reunion this June. TWENTY YEARS. Where did that go? Truth be told, I'm pretty jacked to see everyone. And the fact that we get to catch up on Facebook before we go, might make it more the interesting. But my MOST favorite part about FB is that I get to play Scrabble with my friends! It's Scrabbulous!

Three months from now..I get to go to MN for a weekend to attend The Star of the North (annual dental convention). My friends and I are already coordinating schedules, classes and fun. It will be a completely orchestrated 5 days of wonderfulness. I get to be a dental geek, shop and hang with my gang. Perfect!! Can't wait to get out of the Valley for an extended weekend. Funny how one would need a break from 'nothing'. But the vast doses of 'nothing' do get old rather quickly.

And as I sit here lamenting about the nothingness, there are 4 law vehicles at the house behind me. Somebody's taking a ride. This will be front page news. Actually, our local paper only comes out on Thursdays. I bet I have the story by noon tomorrow :)

UPDATE: I had the answers to the events regarding the neighbors before 9:30pm :) I underestimated the speed of word!

My New 4 Letter Word:

2009-01-06T10:22:00.000-08:00

SNOW

Yes, that's it folks, snow is now a swear word! I am too old for this much white stuff. What was I thinking? Yesterday we were suppose to get 3", we got more like 10 and, AND it's STILL GOING! UGH!

I am also beginning to think I should have considered Meteorology instead of Dental Hygiene. How many other jobs (that pay 6 figures or close to) can you be consistently off and STILL be employed? And I'm not talking a little off here! SERIOUSLY!

Memories and Mochas

2009-01-04T16:25:00.000-08:00

I'm telling you guys, Starbucks makes me happy! Even more so these days since I have to drive hours to get one and it's a SPECIAL treat! And my special holiday treat is their Peppermint Twist Mocha ..Mmmmmmmmmm!

On our recent trip to the Salt Lake City area to get the smalls, Todd and I met up with a couple of my fellow GHS alumni who live in the SLC area. In the center is Amy (Despain)Beatty who was in my class, and to our left is Rachel (Gaut) Tyler who was 2 years behind us. Rachel was born on my 3rd birthday! This was arranged through that wonderful sight Facebook. The people I've reconnected with since joining there is AMAZING!

Rachel brought her photo/scrap albums from GHS and I had a good laugh! I hadn't seen them since well...I saw Rachel at the all-school reunion in '01 but hadn't seen Amy in 20 years (her grandma use to live here in Afton - small world)! What a great trip down memory lane and was so good to catch up! Thanks Ladies!

Free snow! U-HAUL!!

2009-01-04T16:19:00.000-08:00

We do not have a shortage of snow! While we are far behind last year's record snowfalls for the area, I think we have more than enough! We've had several feet in the yard for weeks now. Winter is just starting! The snow is giving us a break and while it's -14 outside, it's GREAT to see the sun and blue sky! We get clouded in for long periods of time and the grey and snow get old quick! I think it's far worse than when I lived in Seattle or Portland!

Todd clears space for the dogs in the back yard as the snow towers some 3X above their shoulder height. And he even made them an oblong running track!

Office Flair and Tidbits

2009-01-04T15:59:00.000-08:00

Here's a photo of my boss, Dr. Livingston, taken at our office party which he and his wife were kind enough to host at their house! We had HEAPS of food, played games and did "white elephant" gift exchange. For the most part, I love my work environment. I have a lot of independence which I LOVE! My co-workers are great and easy to work with. Business has been a bit slow, but hopefully that will pick up soon!

Michaela is in the Art Club at school and to raise money they ran around painting business windows. She did both of Dr. Livingston's offices and the office of the physical therapy crew that shares our Thayne office space. Good job!

Christmas comes again...

2009-01-04T14:35:00.000-08:00

As I've been told all my life, Christmas comes faster and faster the older you get. It's absolutely true. I feel like we just did this! I probably said this last year. LOL

The kids went to their fathers' houses for Christmas so we celebrated when they returned. That was fine...only we have to travel to two VERY far apart airports to do this. Michaela can fly out of Jackson, 1 hr north, but because Alex isn't 8 he cannot make connecting flights. So he and Rebecca have to fly out of Salt Lake, 4.5 hours south. A complete unfun time, I can assure you.

I wasn't at all into the holiday spirit this year. I hardly baked, I didn't sent out cards (sorry gang!) and I think putting the tree up was about all the decorating I could do. I wanted to take the kids out and hike the mountain for their first REAL FRESH CUT tree, but decided not to since they wouldn't be here. Kind of a cop-out I suppose! I'm sure my mood is partly due to the recent move, partly to finances and partly because the kids weren't here and our families/friends are far away too.

The past couple of months have been very hard. Not only adjusting to this place, which is quite desolate in the winter, but not having Todd here FT is the worst. He still works in MN most of the time as the job he was to have here fell through. And there aren't an abundance of them here. I feel awful. I had to take this job. I needed the 'under the belt' experience. But this presents with new problems. This cannot go on for a lot longer. New plans will have to be formulated.

The kids had a great time at their fathers' and that was fantastic and always what "it's all about". They got some things they'd been wanting and have been having a fun playing with them. Tomorrow school starts again...The break went fast. Even I had a 13 day one. Can't believe it's over as I wasn't thrilled about taking 13 day mandatory vacation w/o pay. But back at it! Tomorrow I start a new semester of school too. Am looking at revamping my schooling plan. Which will mean I'll be at it longer than I had wanted to be. But for my own sanity and financial reasons, it will probably work out for the best in the long run.

Lucky Number 7

2009-01-04T14:26:00.001-08:00

On Dec 5th, Alex turned lucky #7! I call it lucky as there are days I swear he wouldn't make it that far! And now, I can't believe that my baby is 7 and in first grade! We had a simple time at home. He requested a 'snake cake', so I did the best I could! His friend, Thomas, came over and played, had dinner and helped break in the new gifts!

He just cracks me up

2009-01-04T14:20:00.000-08:00

Every night, before I go to bed, I check on the kids. Even Michaela, who is 15. Must be some undying Mommy duty. Anyway, I was absolutely tickled to find Alex passed out with his head perched upon his bunk guardrail. I'm not sure how this is even remotely comfortable, but sure made for a good photos!

Thankful in Wyoming

2009-01-04T13:28:00.000-08:00

Ahhhhhhhhh Thanksgiving!! I had been a bit concerned this year as I cannot tell you when I was last 'in charge' of the big meal! Thankfully it all turned out quite awesome and we had more than plenty to go around. 26 lbs of meat/(3 adults + 3 Kids) = a lot of leftovers! We were very thankful that both Todd and Doug made it to Wyoming to be with us for the holiday and that their cross country travels went well and without incident.

She's not from around here...

2008-11-23T14:39:00.003-08:00

Here's a little chuckle for ya....

At the end of the Jackson trip, we walked back to our car and Michaela stopped in front of the car above and said "Look! An electric car". Now I peered over the roof of ours and said "that thing's too old to be electric!" and she insisted I come around to her side - I already knew what she was seeing. An engine block heater's plug (click on photo to enlarge). And I was right! I was laughing so hard before gaining composure to explain what that device was for.

Jackson Hole: part II

2008-11-23T14:19:00.000-08:00

Here are a few last photos taken on our trip to Jackson. Wanted to display just how touristy we were being!

One of the highlights was finding the "Yippee-i-o Candy Co.". This place is a fabulous sugar mecca complete with homemade fudge and an ice cream counter! The kids treat for the day was purchasing a pound of candy.. each! They're already asking if they can return on our next drive up.

A day in Jackson Hole

2008-11-23T14:12:00.000-08:00

A couple weekends ago I decided we needed a trip out of the valley and we headed an hour north to Jackson. Jackson has changed A LOT in the 20+ years since my last visit. What a yuppy tourist trap this is! Don't get me wrong, it's still known for its great skiing and uphill sled runs (I'm talking snowmobiles here). But for a town of 8.5 thousand to have and support such stores at Eddie Bauer, Hagen Daaz and Coldwater Creek (to name a few) is insane. You literally have to be a millionaire to live there. Though many say the billionaires are forcing the millionaires farther down the valley. Actually, we have many that live in our area and make the hour commute to Jackson to work. We even have a parking area with a commuter bus pick-up/drop-off!

So we enjoyed the afternoon poking around and doing 'touristy' things.

Elk Antler Arches revisited

2008-11-23T13:48:00.000-08:00

Ok, obviously, being in WY, these are a pretty common decor theme. These images are from the Town Square in Jackson Hole. They were in the midst of decorating them for the holidays and getting lights strung throughout the square. We'll trek back up to see them lit soon!

Learning the Alter Server ropes!

2008-11-23T13:43:00.000-08:00

Rebecca was thrilled when on our first Sunday Mass in Afton the Deacon announced that anyone who was interested in being an Alter Server should talk to him after Mass.

She's been wanting to do this since I starting taking them to church, so how could I not say yes? Back in MN students had to be in 5th grade before they started training. Here, as long as you've received Eucharist, you can sign up! Perks of a small town where the Catholic population in the winter is maybe, 100?

She's been doing an excellent job and has picked up on it all very quickly in the 3 times she's done it.

Views from our 'hood

2008-11-23T13:35:00.000-08:00

I gotta tell ya, it just plain feels good to be back in the Mountains! The air is better up here, it's a slower pace and I actually look forward to getting up because when I open the blinds, there's those gorgeous mountains! The week he was here, I often found Todd paused by the windows gazing out. I think the Flatlander will adjust nicely!

We've been blessed with delayed snow fall. Usually by now they have a foot or two. But it's been sunny and in the 40's and 50's. May get the occasional dustings, but it's been unseasonably fantastic thus far. Last year they logged over 700 inches of snow..yeah. 60 odd feet!!! Can ya just wait for those photos?

That is an ACTUAL photo of our community's post office! Looks straight out of Bonanza doesn't it?

Halloween Trunk-or-Treat

2008-11-23T13:26:00.000-08:00

Popular here is the idea of trunk-or-treating. Where everyone parks in parking lot and kids get their goods going stall to stall getting candy. Of course this is great because the houses are VERY spread out here, plus, the kids don't get tired and whiney blocks from home.

Our local LDS church held one of these and we were invited to take part by several neighbors. They served chili and hot cocoa. And some people really got into it by decorating their cars! This was fantastic since we'd only arrived in town days before Halloween. And the weather was the most perfect I remember any Halloween ever being. The kids didn't even need jackets!

Actually, I will say. The WHOLE area really gets into Halloween here! It's fantastic! Kids got to have costume parades at school, even the HSers dressed up! All over town employees of businesses were in costume and during the afternoon the Afton Elementary kids get to trick or treat down the main drag (pictured above) and the business people hand out candies. The cops help direct traffic to keep the several hundred kids safe. It was great!

Sporting their stuffs

2008-11-23T13:21:00.000-08:00

These photos were taken on Afton's main drag the last week of October. All the kids posed under the "World's Largest Elk Antler Arch" which spans Hwy 89/main street. Afton is about 16 miles south of where we rent our house in Bedford. It's a cute little town full of touristy items. Being an hour south of Jackson Hole, this is to be expected.

There isn't much here in the valley. Conveniences yes, but for cheaper and better shopping most travel an hour and a half to Idaho Falls. I have not yet done this. Been to Jackson a couple short trips and that's about an hour. The valley is made up of 12 small communities, Afton being the largest with 1800 people.

In that spot again...

2008-11-23T13:01:00.000-08:00

Here I find myself behind on my postings again. So it's time for catch up. I know the last month has been busy with the move, unpacking, getting everyone settled, doing my school work and starting a new job. But this has been on my mind constantly and it's time!! I really do not just leave you guys stranded!

The move went pretty smoothly all in all. Though all of our stuff did not fit in the truck! We crammed what we could into the moving truck and our car and headed out. It was a long 2 days.

When we arrived several of our neighbors popped over and helped us unload our truck! And they check on us regularly to make sure all is well. I only unpacked what is 'necessary' and there is quite a bit stored in the basement. And Todd's bringing more this Tuesday. He went back to MN 3 weeks ago to help with some stuff at work and of course, to pack the rest of what didn't come the first time. We are missing him terribly and the next 2 days couldn't go quick enough!

The kids are settling in slowly. They like Star Valley, but of course, because we are not LDS, some interactions have been a little slow. Having grown up in this part of the country, I talked to the kids about this before the move. I don't think they really anticipated the severity of it at times. Unlike Marshall, where Catholics are the majority, we are now a huge minority. And unfortunately, there are some who treat non-members of the Mormon community quite differently than they would their own. Not very Christian in my opinion, but it is what it is, and it's their beliefs so I respect that. Now we have met several Mormon families that have been very welcoming and warm. So I don't want it to sound all gloom and doom! Our neighbors the Johnsons have been a God-send for sure!

Rebecca had her first WY sleep-over the other night at her friend Allison's around the corner. She had a great time! All the kids, even Michaela, want to join 4-H. So I gotta check into that. The kids all got rave reviews at Parent-Teacher conferences.

So let's get on to some other posts and get caught up..

First snow

2008-10-12T12:51:00.000-07:00

I've met a resident of Star Valley, where we are moving, through blogspot. I jacked this photo from her site. I had heard they were expecting snow yesterday, so much to my surprise this morning, they weren't just expecting, they GOT IT! I sat here laughing nervously and repeatedly saying "oh my God!".

As memory serves from having grown up in the Rockies, the earlier the snows, the harder the winter. This should be a grand Wyoming Welcome!! I need to call my Dad in Montana and see how he faired.

Luckily, they are expecting warmer temps this week so it'll melt. But it's just a small taste of what's to come!

So long Starbucks!

2008-10-10T09:47:00.000-07:00

Today is a sad day for a lot of Marshallites...

It's the last day of business for our local Starbucks. I know...it's a coffee house. And we have others, though they close MUCH earlier and will not be suitable for 9pm coffee clutches with friends.. It's sad. The staff is fabulous! We consider them friends and have gotten to know each of them. They were even invited to the wedding! We spent countless hours there laughing and talking with friends and even made new friends. And though it's 'just' coffee, it has an unknown, addictive property. We've joked that it's laced with crack, but just a speculation :)

On the other hand, this will be good practice for our move to rural Wyoming, as I can assure you the closest Starbucks will be at least an hour or so away! It will now be a treat when we 'run to the city'. I am sure that healthwise and moneywise, it's for the best! But there is still a feeling of warmth and coming together that will be missed there.

Wedding Glimpses

2008-10-10T09:33:00.000-07:00

Here are few candid shots from the wedding that were taken by Todd's mom. Copy and paste the address below for a slideshow our photographer composed! Enjoy!

http://www.kofoto.net/shows/traci-todd/

Homecoming '08

2008-10-10T09:23:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, since I had to take Becca to the Cities last weekend, I missed helping Michaela get ready for homecoming. :( Thanks to Todd for taking off work early to get her to her hair appt and for carting she and her pal, Brittany, around.

Thanks, too, to Todd's mom for feeding the troops and taking some pics of the girls before they took off. Michaela met her boyfriend, Zach, at the dance, and unfortunately, there are no pics of them together :( My friends and I all carry cameras around as we would a wallet, so I am not sure what's wrong with the young girls LOL

Girls' Weekend!

2008-10-10T09:15:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I took Rebecca up to the Cities for her girlfriend, Ally's, bday overniter! They were in the same class and scout troop when we lived in Eagan. Ally's mom and I arranged to surprise Ally and the other party guests by not telling them Becca was attending! The girls were all so excited to see eachother!

Becca had wanted to go to Build a Bear Workshop for her birthday. So the next day, as a belated gift, we took her friends Ally and Evelyn to the Mall of America and made stuffed critters, enjoyed Starbuck's and hung out! It was a special day as Rebecca probably won't see these friends again until sometime next summer. They were great!

Harvestfest '08

2008-10-10T09:06:00.001-07:00

Ok...time to play catch-up here! Been rather busy with various papers for school and helping kids with a few big projects they had. No, I haven't started packing yet. In fact, I am procrasinating again by saying "lemme update the blog first!". I've been working on Thursdays in Madison, SD, for Dr. Green. The office, staff and patients are great and it's been a great warm-up for my new position in WY. The 90 minute drive each way isn't so cool though and I am glad I won't be doing that come winter.

Here are a few photos from Holy Redeemer's Harvestfest. It's an annual event at our church with games, prizes, raffles, contests and yes..a beer garden and big screen TV playing the Vikings game too! LOL Michaela found her boyfriend, Zach, and we saw lots of friends and family as well. It was a lovely fall afternoon and we had a great time!

This is my brain on chaos

2008-09-24T13:08:00.001-07:00

I am certain that if there were a viewing window to my thoughts they'd be referenced by this photo, or something similar.

Our house went on the market today. I need to start sorting and packing (and everything else that goes along with that). I have heaps of school work. Plus my regularly scheduled life of kids(homework, activities), home and such. SIGH...

The kids are sad-turning-excited, but understanding. Friends, about the same. One ex is irate and telling me what I am doing is wrong and unfair to the child. Somehow, I don't think providing for my family is either of those. But I guess the world looks different when you wear the financial glasses of a retired, Microsoft-made, multi-millionaire. Common sense and reason are not part of the address on Easy Street. I have to work for a living and I need to live where there is work. Plain logic.

Our decision was, by no means, a simple one. But it is a necessary one.

Thanks to all of you that have offered support in packing, loading and even driving with us on our trip to WY. I'm sure I'll be cashing in offers and favors over the next weeks!

Hey! The candles are baaaaaaaaaack!

2008-09-19T16:47:00.000-07:00

Ah, yes, here we are again at another birthday. Number 38, to be exact! The years they go by faster and faster..

38 Things about Traci

1. I have 3 tattoos
2. I'd like one more
3. I love that I am nearly 40 and still go to college
4. I consider myself to be pretty fearless
5. My favorite color is green
6. My favorite number 13
7. I have 3 kids
8. I've been married 3 times
9. I love chocolate
10. I have a fear of weed eaters
11. I'm a rollercoaster fanatic
12. I miss my Mom every day
13. I LOVE shoes
14. Scrabble is my drug
15. I'm thankful Kim is nearly done with treatment, she's my best Scrabble buddy
16. I'm glad my kids are outgoing
17. I have been to every state but Hawaii and Alaska
18. I am friends with my exhusbands and I still like them
19. I miss having a mini-van
20. I border on obsessive compulsive
21. I like to laugh
22. I don't like to waste time on sleep
23. I drive fast
24. I love riding on the Motorcycle with Todd
25. Traveling is a passion
26. Landscaping is a hobby
27. I'm not overly fond of snow
28. I haven't really watched TV in 3 years
29. I like to snuggle
30. I enjoy helping people
31. I think scraping teeth is FUN!
32. Salmon flies are disgusting
33. I wish I had more time for recreational reading
34. I'd like to improve my Trap scores
35. I'd give my left arm if I could meet Gary Allan
36. I don't floss EVERY day (shhhhh!)
37. I drink too much Diet Pepsi
38. Bananas are my favorite fruit

New chapter, new look, new blog

2008-09-18T21:12:00.000-07:00

Welcome! I'm glad you found our new webhome!! After much thought, I decided it was time to retire my first blog and begin anew. This is a reflection of our new family structure and our upcoming move to Wyoming.

That was a lot of information. Your minds are spinning. Stick with me here.

First off, the blog's name: Experience SaintHoggMann. Funny... the kids came up with SaintHoggMann one afternoon when we were talking about our expanded family dynamics. It is a representation of us all: Todd & Traci St. Aubin, Rebecca & Alex Hogg and Michaela Mann.

After seeing one of my former HS member's blog, I decided mine was just too boring and I needed to hit the next level! She's been a great inspiration and tutor. Thanks, Rach! (Happy Birthday to us tomorrow!)

WYOMING...or maybe WHY-OMING to some of you. After months and months of fruitless searching for a dental hygiene position here in the central region, which is FLOODED with hygienists, the decision has come to move to the jobs. The financial strain of having one income is becoming more of a front-burner concern and I didn't just drop 2 very stressful years and $30K on hygiene school for nothing. Plus the added $ I am spending completing my bachelor of hygiene online. I actually looked at this job for months on indeed (one very cool employment website). Decided to apply, interviewed and was made an amazingly impossible offer to refuse. I will start at what most hygienists here take 2 or 3 years to reach. Plus, I will be just 3 hours south of where I grew up and of course, my father and nephew. In the end, we hoped something would crop up near Marshall, or at least in MN, but it hasn't. So after much discussion - I've accepted the offer and now the rush is on to get moved before the snow flies. We're down to "we gotta do what we gotta do". And for now, this is the best decision.

We realize that this will make a great many people unhappy and upset. Others will be elated. We love you all, but we have to look out for our family first and foremost. After the shock settles, we know you'll understand.

So follow along with us on these new adventures. In the end, they say, it's the journey that matters.